Skip to content
0800 222 021

Frying Pan Buying Guide

Frying pan buying guide for New Zealand: non-stick, steel or mineral?

How to choose between ceramic non-stick, stainless steel and vitrified mineral pans, what cooks around the world look for, and how to avoid cheap knock-offs.

Written by a New Zealand family business with three generations of tableware and cookware knowledge

 

How do you choose the right frying pan?

The best frying pan depends on how you cook. Choose Ultimate Profi Resist for ceramic release with excellent searing and metal-utensil tolerance, Fusiontec for a very hard, non-porous mineral surface with a 30-year domestic guarantee, WMF Ultimate for an ultra-flat everyday pan, or a stainless steel pan such as Swiss Diamond Premium Steel for a coating-free option. Always check your hob, oven limit and utensil rules before you buy.

  • ‘Non-stick’ is not one material. Ceramic, hybrid, multilayer and vitrified mineral pans each work differently.
  • Ultimate Profi Resist pairs hard-mineral ceramic with a raised stainless-steel Protection Grid and is designed for metal utensils and ovens up to 250 °C.
  • Fusiontec is not non-stick. Its vitrified mineral surface is hard and non-porous, with a 30-year domestic guarantee, subject to conditions.
  • ‘Ceramic’ can mislead. If PFAS matters to you, ask for the maker's written statement and look for fluorine-free labelling.
  • Test before you trust: a flat base, a magnet that sticks for induction, a secure handle and clear oven and utensil advice.
  • New Zealand law helps. Tell the seller what you need the pan for, and it must be fit for that purpose.

Frying pan buying tips from around the world

Cooks in different countries focus on different risks. Together they point to six questions worth asking before you buy any pan.

What frying pan buyers look for, by region
Region What buyers look for What it means for you
Germany and the EU (WMF's home) Named surface technologies and a stated guarantee. WMF names its surfaces and says what they do: the Protection Grid on Ultimate Profi Resist, and Fusiontec's vitrified mineral surface, backed by a 30-year guarantee on the inner and outer surface for domestic use, subject to the maker's conditions. Cookware sold for food contact must also meet EU food-contact rules.
France PFAS-free pans, and clear information about the coating. France's PFAS law took effect on 1 January 2026, but non-stick cookware was left out of it after industry lobbying. A broader EU-wide PFAS restriction is still under discussion, so many buyers now ask makers directly about PFAS.
United States Fluorine-free labelling and clear coating details. Minnesota became the first US state to ban the sale of PFAS-containing products, including cookware. Chemists quoted by C&EN warn that 'ceramic' can be a misleading marketing term and recommend looking for a 'fluorine-free' label.
Switzerland Engineering detail and a clear factory. Swiss Diamond makes its CXD ceramic non-stick in Switzerland without PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead or cadmium, per Michael Joyce Ltd's guide. Swiss-born Spring builds five-layer pans that rely on heat control for a natural non-stick effect.
Online marketplaces worldwide Eye-catching labels. Terms such as 'granite', 'marble', 'diamond' and 'ceramic' are used loosely. Ask what the coating really is, how hot the pan can go in the oven, which utensils are allowed and what the warranty covers.
New Zealand Consumer guarantees and honest advice. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, goods must be of acceptable quality and fit for a particular purpose you asked about. If you tell the seller you need an induction-compatible, oven-safe pan, that is what it must be.

Non-stick, steel or mineral? Choose your surface

‘Non-stick’ describes a cooking benefit, not one material. Each technology below approaches it differently, and no single pan is perfect for every cooking method. A carefully chosen combination usually gives better results and a longer working life.

Frying pan technologies compared
Technology What it is Best for Watch-outs
WMF Ultimate Profi Resist Hard-mineral ceramic coating protected by a raised stainless-steel honeycomb (WMF Protection Grid), on a multilayer body with an aluminium core and a very flat base. Induction compatible Ceramic release plus excellent browning and searing. Metal utensils allowed. Oven to 250 °C Follow the care guide and avoid overheating an empty pan
WMF Fusiontec Mineral layers vitrified onto a ferromagnetic steel core. Hard, smooth, non-porous, resistant to cutting and scratching. Induction suitable. Made in Germany, per Michael Joyce Ltd Searing, simmering, braising and roasting. Does not absorb flavours. 30-year domestic guarantee, subject to conditions Not non-stick: use suitable oil and good heat control
Swiss Diamond CXD Dual-layer, diamond-infused ceramic non-stick on a recycled cast-aluminium body. Made in Switzerland. Made without PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead or cadmium Eggs, seafood, vegetables and low-oil cooking Gentler heat and utensils suit ceramic best
Spring Brigade Ultimate Five-layer professional construction that develops a natural non-stick effect through controlled heat Searing, sautéing, oven-to-table cooking Technique matters: a little oil and patience with heat
Swiss Diamond Premium Steel 18/10 stainless steel with riveted handles, even heat distribution and no coating Searing, sauces and long-lasting everyday cooking Needs oil and heat control, as any uncoated steel does
WMF Steak Profi and Ultimate serving pans Pans designed for steak and for serving straight to the table Steak nights and presentation Choose the size to suit your hob and your guests

Quality over cheap knock-offs: how to spot a poor frying pan

A frying pan is used at high heat almost every day, which is why a poorly made one fails quickly. Cheaper pans are not always bad, but a pan with no verifiable detail is a gamble.

Quality frying pan compared with a typical cheap imitation
What to check Quality pan from a reputable brand Typical cheap imitation
Surface claims A named technology and a clear spec, such as Protection Grid, Fusiontec mineral or CXD ceramic Vague 'granite', 'marble', 'diamond' or 'ceramic' claims with no detail
Base and flatness A thick, multilayer or cast base built to stay flat. WMF Ultimate uses patented ultra-flat construction A thin base that rocks, spins or warps after a few uses
Induction Stated and tested. A magnet sticks firmly to the base 'Works on all hobs' but a magnet does not stick
Oven and utensil advice States the oven limit (up to 250 °C for Ultimate Profi Resist, per Michael Joyce Ltd) and which utensils are safe No temperature or utensil guidance
Handles and lids Secure riveted handles, comfortable grip, lids that fit Wobbly handles, plastic that discolours, ill-fitting lids
Guarantee A stated guarantee with conditions, such as 30 years on Fusiontec for domestic use No terms, or a vague 'lifetime' claim with no detail
Seller Established New Zealand seller with returns and phone support Anonymous marketplace seller
Price Consistent with the technology inside, with discounts you can trace Far below the cost of a comparable pan, with no explanation

A 60-second test before you buy

  • Flatness. Put a ruler across the inside or hold the pan upside down against a flat surface. It should not rock, and a flat base spreads heat and oil evenly.
  • Magnet. A fridge magnet should stick firmly to the base if you want induction. Always confirm on the product page as well.
  • Weight and handle. Lift it with food in mind. A good handle is securely riveted and comfortable, and the pan should feel balanced.
  • Paperwork. The box or product page should state the surface type, oven limit, utensil advice and guarantee.
  • Lid fit. If a lid is included, it should sit snugly with a vent where needed.
  • Seller. Can you phone them, return the pan and get support in New Zealand?

What size frying pan should you buy?

Frying pan sizes and uses
Size Best for Notes
20 cm One person, eggs, small portions, toasting spices Quick to heat, easy to store
24 cm Two to three people, everyday cooking The most versatile single size
28 cm Families, larger steaks, one-pan meals Check it fits your burner or induction zone
Deep 28 cm Sauces, stir-fries and braises Handles larger volumes
Serving pans Cooking and serving at the table Choose a size that fits your oven and table

How to care for a premium frying pan

  • Cook mainly on low to medium heat.
  • Avoid heating an empty pan for long.
  • Use only the utensils recommended for your range.
  • Let the pan cool before washing and avoid sudden temperature changes.
  • Wash with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, and follow the care instructions that come with the product.

This is the care advice Michael Joyce Ltd publishes for premium cookware. It protects the surface and keeps a good pan in the kitchen for longer.

Premium frying pans at Michael Joyce Ltd

Browse the pans mentioned in this guide. Stock, prices and sizes change, so check each product page.

Why trust Michael Joyce Ltd? Three generations of knowledge

Advice about frying pans is only worth having if it comes from people who have sold the products, handled the problems and watched what lasts. Here is who is behind this guide.

1950s
Harold and Joan Blampied

Owners of a china shop, they began importing quality china and tableware into New Zealand at a time when European products were far harder to source, and built a business around well-made goods and personal service.

The second generation
Michael and Jenny Joyce

They took the business over and grew it from its retail beginnings into a nationwide wholesale operation, building long relationships with independent retailers across New Zealand.

Today
Kristin and Matthew Joyce

The third generation runs Michael Joyce Ltd as a New Zealand family-owned and operated business, combining their grandparents’ retail knowledge with their parents’ wholesale experience, in wholesale and e-commerce.

3 generationsOne New Zealand family business, more than 60 years of knowledge
70+ stockistsSupplying independent retailers around New Zealand
Free NZ deliveryFree delivery throughout New Zealand
14-day returnsEligible items, unused and in original packaging, within 14 days of delivery

“Choose good products. Know what you sell. Price them fairly. Look after your customers. And build relationships for the long term.”

That is how the family describes its approach on its about page. In practice it means we answer the phone on 0800 222 021, we tell you when a product is not right for what you want to do, and we only put our name to brands with real history and craftsmanship. See our returns and delivery pages for full terms.

WMF frying pan frequently asked questions

What is the best frying pan?

It depends on how you cook. WMF Ultimate Profi Resist suits cooks who want ceramic release with excellent searing and metal-utensil tolerance. WMF Fusiontec suits those who want a very hard, non-porous mineral surface. WMF Ultimate is an ultra-flat everyday pan, and WMF Steak Profi is made for steaks. For an uncoated option, consider stainless steel such as Swiss Diamond Premium Steel.

What is WMF Ultimate Profi Resist?

Fusiontec is not a conventional non-stick coating. Mineral layers are fused to a ferromagnetic steel core at extremely high temperatures, creating a hard, smooth, non-porous, glass-like surface that resists cutting and scratching and does not absorb flavours or odours. It is not promoted as non-stick, so good heat control and suitable cooking oil still matter.

What is WMF Fusiontec, and is it non-stick?

Fusiontec is not a conventional non-stick coating. Mineral layers are fused to a ferromagnetic steel core at extremely high temperatures, creating a hard, smooth, non-porous, glass-like surface that resists cutting and scratching and does not absorb flavours or odours. It is not promoted as non-stick, so good heat control and suitable cooking oil still matter.

Are Michael Joyce Ltd frying pans PFAS-free?

t depends on the range. Michael Joyce Ltd states that Swiss Diamond CXD is made without PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead or cadmium. Fusiontec is a vitrified mineral surface rather than a polymer coating. For any specific pan, ask for the maker's written PFAS statement or check the product page, because terms like ceramic can be used loosely.

Can I use metal utensils on WMF frying pans?

Ultimate Profi Resist is designed for use with metal utensils, and Fusiontec is described as resistant to cutting, scratching and abrasion. Other pans, especially ceramic non-stick such as CXD, are best used with the utensils the maker recommends. Always follow the instructions for your range.

Are WMF frying pans oven-safe?

Michael Joyce Ltd says Ultimate Profi Resist can move from the cooktop into an oven up to 250 degrees Celsius. Oven limits vary by range and by lids and handles, so check the product page before you roast or finish a dish in the oven.

Do WMF frying pans work on induction?

Ultimate Profi Resist is described as compatible with induction and other common cooktops, and Fusiontec is suitable for all common cooktops including induction. To check any pan, look for an induction symbol, read the product page, and test whether a magnet sticks firmly to the base.

How can I spot a fake or cheap knock-off frying pan?

Be cautious of vague surface claims such as granite, marble or diamond with no detail, thin bases that rock or warp, no oven or utensil advice, a very low price and an anonymous seller. Quality pans state their technology, flatness and guarantee. Use the 60-second test on this page: flatness, magnet, handle, paperwork, lid fit and seller.

What size frying pan should I buy?

A 24 cm pan is the most versatile single size for two to three people, a 20 cm pan suits eggs and small portions, and a 28 cm pan suits families and larger steaks. Check that the base fits your burner or induction zone.

How long does a non-stick pan last?

There is no single lifespan because it depends on the technology, the heat you use, your utensils and how you clean the pan. Cooking on low to medium heat, avoiding an empty hot pan and washing gently all help a quality pan last longer.

Is it worth paying more for a premium frying pan?

Often, yes, if you cook regularly. Premium pans are built with flatter, more even bases, tougher surfaces and stated guarantees, so they tend to last longer and cook better. The best value is the pan that suits how you cook, not the most expensive one

What guarantee does a WMF Fusiontec pan have?

Michael Joyce Ltd states that Fusiontec is backed by WMF's 30-year guarantee on the inner and outer Fusiontec surface for domestic use, subject to the manufacturer's conditions. Read the conditions with your purchase.

Does Michael Joyce Ltd offer free delivery and returns?

Yes. Michael Joyce Ltd offers free delivery throughout New Zealand, and eligible items can be returned within 14 days of delivery if they are unused and in their original packaging. See the returns page for the full terms or call 0800 222 021.

Why buy a frying pan from Michael Joyce Ltd?

Michael Joyce Ltd is a New Zealand family business in its third generation, with more than 60 years of knowledge of cookware, kitchenware and tableware. We choose cookware from respected international brands, explain the technologies honestly, and help you find the right pan for how you cook.

Sources and further reading